(20 Jul 2024, 9:41 pm)Shrek wrote I don't know anything for certain, but I'm certain the hospital contract for the 553 was up this year and it would make sense that either Arriva or the Hospital might have pulled out. If Arriva aren't running the 553, i would suspect that the hospital will find another company to run it as they need a service for staff getting between Regent Point and Freeman. It's not a great one for Arriva to run since Jesmond closed so it makes sense for them not to want to renew.
As for the 47, I'm just guessing. I doubt the H would cover it as that is for hospital staff only and as far as I'm aware is just between Freeman and RVI, so doesn't cover what the 47 is there for.
The buses for the 43/44/45/47 were from levelling up funding and not Zebra. A couple of Arriva drivers have said they're expected by January 2025 apparently. That is just word of mouth though and I haven't heard it said myself so I'm taking it as gossip for now.
Aye wonder if they might have just reallocated the 47 bus onto the 43 instead, have to remember that the Morpeth to Cramlington area was upped in freqency, can't see anyone complaining about it. The single decker surely has to be scrapped and turned into a decker because whatever option happens here, having 1 random single decker is just stupid interworking with deckers.
(20 Jul 2024, 9:44 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote I would be gutted to lose the 47 service. Definitely mostly NHS staff on there anyway though.
Looking forward to riding the new electric Arriva buses, whatever they are. Even if the 47 is scrapped.
Good to see Yutongs for SNE, and surprised Peter Hogg have ordered electric ADLs for the X74.
Hopefully the X16 will be a frequent service and not just replacing the 710. At least a daily return would be ideal for the full route.
Would Arriva tickets be valid on the 392 or just Nexus day tickets and Day Rovers/Savers?
Not too sure on the day tickets, they should be but I don't believe there's anything cheaper left now as they scrapped everything in Tyneside, believe only the TNE tickets exist now.